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Elliott Brown Transport
05 Sep 2022 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

Miniature Railway Wythall operated by Elmdon Model Engineering Society at The Transport Museum, Wythall

It wasn't just heritage buses at The Transport Museum, Wythall. On the August Bank Holiday Mondat 29th August 2022, visitors could pay to go on the Miniature Railway Wythall operated by Elmdon Model Engineering Society. The locomotive in use was called Blanche from the Penrhyn Railway. Kids seemed to have enjoyed it.

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Miniature Railway Wythall operated by Elmdon Model Engineering Society at The Transport Museum, Wythall





It wasn't just heritage buses at The Transport Museum, Wythall. On the August Bank Holiday Mondat 29th August 2022, visitors could pay to go on the Miniature Railway Wythall operated by Elmdon Model Engineering Society. The locomotive in use was called Blanche from the Penrhyn Railway. Kids seemed to have enjoyed it.


Miniature Railway Wythall operated by Elmdon Model Engineering Society

Shortly after getting off the car park shuttle bus at The Transport Museum, Wythall, I saw the station Elmdon Halt from the Miniature Railway Wythall.

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/MRW%20Elmdon%20TMW%2029082022%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The first time I saw the miniature railway in action, was while looking at various heritage buses parked up. Was a grassy bank, and saw the miniature steam train Blanche come around.

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/MRW%20Elmdon%20TMW%2029082022%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

I was in The Power Hall, and briefly popped out when I saw this footbridge, shortly afterwards saw the miniature train heading around on the tracks. It went past the heritage buses, as well as a picnic bench area with bouncy castle and slides for kids.

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/MRW%20Elmdon%20TMW%2029082022%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/MRW%20Elmdon%20TMW%2029082022%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/MRW%20Elmdon%20TMW%2029082022%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/MRW%20Elmdon%20TMW%2029082022%20(6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/MRW%20Elmdon%20TMW%2029082022%20(7).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/MRW%20Elmdon%20TMW%2029082022%20(8).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

I was later in another bus garage on site, near the milk float collection, popped out and saw this tunnel. I did not wait around to see if the miniature steam train would come out of it. So back to the milk floats and buses it was.

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/MRW%20Elmdon%20TMW%2029082022%20(9).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Before leaving, and after coming back to Wythall from a free bus ride, and ice cream. Saw the miniature steam train at Elmdon Holt, before we got back on the car park shuttle bus, to return to the Phoenix Group car park.

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/MRW%20Elmdon%20TMW%2029082022%20(10).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Photos by Elliott Brown

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80 passion points
Elliott Brown Transport
05 Sep 2022 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

Visit to The Transport Museum, Wythall over the August Bank Holiday Monday 2022

On previous Bank Holiday weekends, I'd seen heritage buses from the collection of The Transport Museum, Wythall on the Alcester Road (south of the Maypole in Hollywood) or at Bristol Street or Suffolk Street Queensway (near The Alex Theatre, but CAZ stopped that). Finally went on the August Bank Holiday Monday 2022, plus rode a bus on a loop via Earlswood.

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Visit to The Transport Museum, Wythall over the August Bank Holiday Monday 2022





On previous Bank Holiday weekends, I'd seen heritage buses from the collection of The Transport Museum, Wythall on the Alcester Road (south of the Maypole in Hollywood) or at Bristol Street or Suffolk Street Queensway (near The Alex Theatre, but CAZ stopped that). Finally went on the August Bank Holiday Monday 2022, plus rode a bus on a loop via Earlswood.


The Transport Museum, Wythall is located at Chapel Lane, Wythall, Worcestershire, B47 6JA. On the Event Days of the August Bank Holiday weekend, Sunday the 28th and Monday the 29th August 2022, visitors could park their cars at Phoenix Group and get a free shuttle bus to the museum. Visitors could also get a free bus from the Maypole or from Wythall Station. As it was an Event Day, there was also free bus rides around the area. They used to also have buses going towards The Alexandra Theatre, but I'm unsure if they still do this since the Clean Air Zone came into force in 2021.

 

Car Park Shuttle buses

Bus route 758 from Phoenix Group to The Transport Museum, Wythall. We went on Travel West Midlands 4001 both ways, from the car park to the museum and back later that day. It was the first low floor bus in the fleet, also had seats to lift up for wheelchairs and pushchairs.

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/TWM%204001%20TMW%2029082022%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/TWM%204001%20TMW%2029082022%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/TWM%204001%20TMW%2029082022%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Other buses on the Car Park Shuttle route 758 included West Midlands Travel 4613, National Express West Midlands 4321 and West Midlands Travel 2462. I'd earlier seen NXWM 4321 passing the Becketts Farm Flower Field on shuttle bus duties. And later saw it coming back on a Midland Red bus from a half hour bus ride to Earlswood and back.

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/CPS%20TMW%2029082022%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/CPS%20TMW%2029082022%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/CPS%20TMW%2029082022%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/CPS%20TMW%2029082022%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Midland Red

This Midland Red bus was no 1902 with Mercian branding. Was parked next to a Birmingham City Transport bus, no 486.

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Midland%20Red%20TMW%2029082022%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Midland Red West 544 was one of the buses used for free bus rides on the Event Day.

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Midland%20Red%20TMW%2029082022%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Midland%20Red%20TMW%2029082022%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Midland%20Red%20TMW%2029082022%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Midland Red 4255 was in a new exhibition. The Barn Find Exhibition. Buses and old milk floats found in barns, and left unrestored, as they were as they were discovered.

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Midland%20Red%20TMW%2029082022%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

More Midland Red buses in the garage to the north west of the site. No 5399, plus a couple of others to the left.

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Midland%20Red%20TMW%2029082022%20(6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

As we exited the milk float exhibit, saw this Midland Red bus, for route M33 Malvern Link.

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Midland%20Red%20TMW%2029082022%20(7).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

In the repair shed was some familiar buses. An unidentifed Midland Red bus on the left and to the right, one destined for Gloucester on the X72.

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Midland%20Red%20TMW%2029082022%20(8).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Time for a free bus ride. The 13:15 was supposed to go to Beoley via Alvechurch, but the driver did not know the route. So the bus we went on went from Wythall towards Earlswood and back on a half hour journey. It was Midland Red 5767.

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Midland%20Red%20TMW%2029082022%20(9).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Midland%20Red%20TMW%2029082022%20(10).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

On leaving Wythall on the car park shuttle, saw from the top deck, Midland Red 5656, originally the Birmingham London Motorway Express on route ME1.

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Midland%20Red%20TMW%2029082022%20(11).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Birmingham City Transport

Seen inside of The Power Hall was these Birmingham City Transport buses. You could sit in 0-9926 and have your photo taken with it.

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BCT%20TMW%2029082022%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BCT%20TMW%2029082022%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BCT%20TMW%2029082022%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BCT%20TMW%2029082022%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BCT%20TMW%2029082022%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Seen outside of the engine repair shed was this pair of Birmingham City Transport buses 3009 and 486. Out so people could have bus rides on them.

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BCT%203009%20TMW%2029082022.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Birmingham City Transport 486 later spotted on Chapel Lane, heading back towards the museum. From the Midland Red bus we were on, which was on Hill Lane at the time. Our bus on the half our round trip towards Earlswood and back to Wythall via the A435.

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BCT%20486%20TMW%2029082022.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

It's been almost four years since I've seen Birmingham City Transport 2548. Inside the repair shed, licence plate missing at the front.

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BCT%202548%20TMW%2029082022.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

West Bromwich Corporation

This West Bromwich Corporation bus was one that you could go inside. And was parked up next to a Birmingham Fire Engine, in The Power Hall.

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMC%20TMW%2029082022.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WBC%20TMW%2029082022%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Walsall Corporation

Bus no 56 from Walsall Corporation was inside of the repair shed.

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WalC%2056%20TMW%2029082022.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Bus no 116 was in the Midland Red repair shed. This is the first time since I last saw it at the Birmingham Bus Bash in Cannon Hill Park in 2017. I previously caught it on the road in Bromsgrove back in 2013. Some of it's wheels was off.

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WalC%20116%20TMW%2029082022%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WalC%20116%20TMW%2029082022%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WalC%20116%20TMW%2029082022%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Wolverhampton Corporation

This trolley bus was from Wolverhampton with overhead pantograph. The conductor would have to move it with a pole. It was seen in The Power Hall.

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WolvC%20TMW%2029082022%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WolvC%20TMW%2029082022%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

West Midlands Travel

This West Midlands Travel bus no 4527 was parked outside on the Event Day.

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMT%204527%20TMW%2029082022.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Various including Midland Red, Birmingham City Transport etc

A variety of different buses from around the West Midlands in this garage, including several Midland Red buses, Birmingham City Transport, West Midlands Travel and Travel West Midlands. The no 47 bus stood out for me, no 2811, as I may have ridden this bus back in the 1990s or early 2000s. The Metrobus was withdrawn from service in 2010.

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/MR%20BCT%20WMT%20TMW%2029082022%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/MR%20BCT%20WMT%20TMW%2029082022%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/MR%20BCT%20WMT%20TMW%2029082022%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/MR%20BCT%20WMT%20TMW%2029082022%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Photos by Elliott Brown

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70 passion points
Elliott Brown Transport
25 Jul 2022 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

Riding the West Midlands Metro in Zone 1 between Edgbaston Village and Jewellery Quarter

The Westside Metro extension between Centenary Square and Hagley Road opened on the 17th July 2022. Then there was the heatwave. Elliott got a chance to ride it on the 23rd July 2022, on an off peak day ticket in the My Metro app, for Zone 1 only. Starting from Edgbaston Village, passing Five Ways and Brindleyplace. And on towards St Paul's and Jewellery Quarter.

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Riding the West Midlands Metro in Zone 1 between Edgbaston Village and Jewellery Quarter





The Westside Metro extension between Centenary Square and Hagley Road opened on the 17th July 2022. Then there was the heatwave. Elliott got a chance to ride it on the 23rd July 2022, on an off peak day ticket in the My Metro app, for Zone 1 only. Starting from Edgbaston Village, passing Five Ways and Brindleyplace. And on towards St Paul's and Jewellery Quarter.


A trip from Edgbaston to Jewellery Quarter via the City Centre, on the 23rd July 2022, to see King Kong return, then pop to The Golden Square, and get a tram back to the Colmore Business District for another visit to the 18th floor balcony at 103 Colmore Row. And one final tram journey from Victoria Square to Brindleyplace.

On the 20th July, I'd travelled to Broad Street to get photos of my first trams in service, but left riding the tram until the Saturday.

 

Edgbaston Village Tram Stop

I got the no 1 bus from Acocks Green via Moseley, which was diverted twice, including the scheduled diversion (due to Church Road being closed as The Vale is a Birmingham 2022 athletes village). Eventually got off the bus at Calthorpe Road and walked round to Harborne Road, then up the new Edgbaston Village Walk to the newly opened tram stop on the Hagley Road. It wasn't too long to wait for the tram to arrive.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Edgbaston%20Village%20TS%2023072022%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Edgbaston%20Village%20TS%2023072022%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Edgbaston%20Village%20TS%2023072022%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Zone 1 is from Edgbaston Village to Jewellery Quarter. There is three other zones from Jewellery Quarter to Wolverhampton St George's.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Edgbaston%20Village%20TS%2023072022%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

West Midlands Metro tram 21 arrives, heading past Morrisons, and headed to the platform I was waiting at.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Edgbaston%20Village%20TS%2023072022%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

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dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Edgbaston%20Village%20TS%2023072022%20(8).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The tram was pretty empty from the first stop, another photographer got on board, but he got off at Five Ways (the next stop).

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Edgbaston%20Village%20TS%2023072022%20(9).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Edgbaston%20Village%20TS%2023072022%20(10).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Five Ways Tram Stop

After heading through the Five Ways underpass between Hagley Road and Broad Street, the next stop would be Five Ways Tram Stop.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro" dndsrc="https://www.freetimepays.com/uploadedfiles/WMM%2021%20Broad%20St%2023072022%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The Superfreak street art was seen from tram 21, on the wall of Atlas Intercity, and near Islington House (was formerly Zara's).

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Superfreak%20Broad%20St%20WMM%2021%2023072022.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

A few days before on the 20th July 2022, I caught a no 24 bus and saw tram 22 on a test run towards Edgbaston Village, it was heading down the Five Ways underpass from Broad Street.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM%2022%20Broad%20St%20200072022.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Before that, I'd got my first photos of a tram arriving at Five Ways Tram Stop, that would be West Midlands Metro tram 42. They need to manually change the display, as this one still said Edgbaston Village, but was heading to Wolverhampton St George's.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM%2042%20Broad%20St%20200072022%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM%2042%20Broad%20St%20200072022%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM%2042%20Broad%20St%20200072022%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Even More Brum! Seen on Five Ways Tram Stop before I took my first tram photos on Broad Street.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Brum%20Five%20Ways%20TS%2020072022%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

On the 15th July 2022 they were applying the vinyls a couple of days before the line opened. Got this nice shot of Five Ways Tram Stop with the Five Ways Entertainment Complex.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WME%20Broad%20St%2015072022%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Brindleyplace Tram Stop

Back to the journey on the 23rd July 2022, the next stop on Broad Street was Brindleyplace Tram Stop. Right outside of a restaurant called Qavali. Another tram went past.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM%2021%20Broad%20St%2023072022%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM%2021%20Broad%20St%2023072022%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

In front of the driver, was a National Express West Midlands bus, no 6104 (not sure of the route number). Heading for Edgbaston Village Tram Stop was West Midlands Metro tram 40.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM%2021%20Broad%20St%2023072022%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Later that day, I'd caught my third tram, this time from Town Hall Tram Stop at Victoria Square, and got off at Brindleyplace Tram Stop. Was on tram 21 again, as tram 42 was heading for Wolverhampton St George's. Note that both trams said Edgbaston Village. Those tram drivers need to manually change the  digital destination display!

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM%2021%2042%20Brindleyplace%20TS%2023072022%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM%2021%2042%20Brindleyplace%20TS%2023072022%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

On the 20th July 2022, I headed up to the Secret Garden on  Level 7 at the Library of Birmingham to see if I could catch a tram on Broad Street. I managed to capture West Midlands Metro tram 43 heading for Edgbaston Village Tram Stop.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM%2043%20Broad%20St%20200072022%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

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dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM%2043%20Broad%20St%20200072022%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

By the time I left the library, I walked up Broad Street and saw tram 43 departing from Brindleyplace Tram Stop. There is still people riding e-Scooter's on Broad Street, near the trams and buses.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM%2043%20Broad%20St%20200072022%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM%2043%20Broad%20St%20200072022%20(6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Library Tram Stop

Back to the journey on the 23rd July, the tram arrived at Library Tram Stop for Centenary Square. This was when it started to get a bit busier.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM%2021%20Broad%20St%2023072022%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The tram went past the statue of Boulton, Watt & Murdoch, as well as the Birmingham 2022 Megastore.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/B2022%20Megastore%2023072022.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

I also saw from the tram window, the Library of Birmingham and the Commonwealth Games flag pins.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/B2022%20pins%20Centenary%20Sq%2024072022%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

No 24 bus journey on the 20th July, as West Midlands Metro tram 39 (University of Birmingham livery near The Exchange) dpearted for Edgbaston Village (not Wolverhampton).

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM%2039%20Library%20200072022.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Town Hall Tram Stop

On the 23rd July, my second tram trip was from Jewellery Quarter, got off at Bull Street (standing room only). Then walked up Colmore Row, to use my Key to the City for a third time at 103 Colmore Row. A 20 minute wait, before getting taken up the lift to the 18th floor balcony again. Took the opportunity to get the trams passing through Victoria Square, including tram 39 (University of Birmingham adverts) having just departed Town Hall Tram Stop.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM%20V103%20KTTC%2023072022%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/B2022%20Vic%20Sq%20V103%20KTTC%2023072022%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Not long after West Midlands Metro tram 42 (Nourished adverts) went past Victoria Square House towards Town Hall Tram Stop.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM%20V103%20KTTC%2023072022%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/B2022%20Vic%20Sq%20V103%20KTTC%2023072022%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

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dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM%20V103%20KTTC%2023072022%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

After leaving Town Hall Tram Stop on Paradise Street, it passed Perry the Bull on it's way to Library in Centenary Square (crossing over Paradise Circus).

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM%20V103%20KTTC%2023072022%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM%20V103%20KTTC%2023072022%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Earlier, on my first tram towards St Paul's, the tram passed Victoria Square with this view to the Birmingham 2022 Fan Zone and 103 Colmore Row.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/B2022%20103%20CR%20Vic%20Sq%20FZ%2023072022%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

After leaving 103 Colmore Row, I went to Town Hall Tram Stop for my third and final tram trip of the day (towards Broad Street, Brindleyplace Tram Stop).

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/B2022%20103%20CR%20Vic%20Sq%20FZ%2023072022%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The Paradise Street side of the Town Hall now has Birmingham 2022 banners, as workmen got the building ready for the opening of the games.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/B2022%20Town%20Hall%20TS%2023072022.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Tram 21 arrived, the tram I'd caught earlier that day. 103 Colmore Row, Foreign Exchange (Queen Victoria), Iron: Man and a tram. Finally!

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/B2022%20103%20CR%20Vic%20Sq%20FZ%2023072022%20(3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

St Paul's Tram Stop

I ended my first tram journey on Zone 1 at St Paul's Tram Stop. I'd caught West Midlands Metro tram 21 at Edgbaston Village. It was closer here to get off and then see King Kong on Great Hampton Row. Also the tram was started to get a bit fuller than earlier stops.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM%2021%20St%20Pauls%20TS%2023072022.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The new King Kong was a short walk away from St Paul's Tram Stop, from Constitution Hill and Great Hampton Street, to Great Hampton Row in 'King Kong Park'.

dndimg alt="King Kong" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/King%20Kong%20Returns%2023072022%20(14).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Jewellery Quarter Tram Stop

After a quick look at King Kong, a walk towards The Golden Square, and checking out the Jewellery Quarter Festival, before a coffee stop at Costa Coffee on Frederick Street. Then a walk up Vyse Street to catch my second tram back into the City Core. Into Jewellery Quarter Station, then across to the tram stop platforms.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/JQ%20Tram%20Stop%2023072022%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/JQ%20Tram%20Stop%2023072022%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

On the railway side, I saw West Midlands Railway 172004 (and an unidentified Class 172 at the back) heading in the direction of Birmingham Snow Hill Station.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/JQ%20Tram%20Stop%2023072022%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/JQ%20Tram%20Stop%2023072022%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

My tram had arrived, West Midlands Metro tram 39. It was a bit full, so standing room only, and I got it to Bull Street. Later saw it from the 18th floor balcony at 103 Colmore Row (see further up this post for those photos).

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM%2039%20JQ%20Tram%20Stop%2023072022.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Photography by Elliott Brown

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Elliott Brown Transport
09 Jun 2022 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

Eastside Metro extension roadworks in Digbeth: August 2021 and May 2022

Views from the bus heading out through Digbeth during August 2021, and into town via Digbeth in late May 2022. In between it wasn't worth getting photo updates when there was just holes in the road, and Midland Metro Alliance were just moving pipes. By Spring 2022, they have installed curb stones, and temporary tarmacing the southbound road surface.

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Eastside Metro extension roadworks in Digbeth: August 2021 and May 2022





Views from the bus heading out through Digbeth during August 2021, and into town via Digbeth in late May 2022. In between it wasn't worth getting photo updates when there was just holes in the road, and Midland Metro Alliance were just moving pipes. By Spring 2022, they have installed curb stones, and temporary tarmacing the southbound road surface.


The major roadworks in Digbeth from July 2021 to July 2022 by the Midland Metro Alliance. They usually work during the week, apart from on Bank Holidays or at weekends.

The southbound lanes have been closed between Digbeth Police Station and The Rainbow, while the northbound bus lane has been closed and open to all traffic. The inner northbound lane has been used for southbound traffic. There is plenty of temporary traffic lights. Entrances from Heath Mill Lane, as well as the Zellig Car Park, and others that need access.

I've been getting the bus up and down it throughout, so not always wanted to get updates, when there was just big holes in the ground. Plus they will not be laying tracks on this side.

Sometimes takes 20 minutes to get through, if there is a lot of traffic. Longer if the traffic lights fail to work.

 

August 2021

On Monday 16th August 2021, the southbound lanes was closed by the Midland Metro Alliance, and they moved the southbound traffic into one of the former northbound lanes, close to Birmingham Coach Station. The northbound bus lane was open to all traffic.

Views from the top deck of the no 6 bus with National Express West Midlands Electric. Sitting at the time near the front, on the left, second window seat back.

Passing Digbeth Police Station. The first day that the traffic heading out of Digbeth would be diverted south onto one of the northbound lanes.

dndimg alt="Eastside Metro Extension" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/EME Digbeth (Aug 2021) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Fancy Fabrics on the left. Early stages of the road being dug up.

dndimg alt="Eastside Metro Extension" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/EME Digbeth (Aug 2021) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Passing the Custard Factory and Zellig.

dndimg alt="Eastside Metro Extension" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/EME Custard Factory Digbeth (Aug 2021) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Custard Factory / Zellig and then the Clean Kilo.

dndimg alt="Eastside Metro Extension" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/EME Custard Factory Digbeth (Aug 2021) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Passing the Clean Kilo, followed by The Old Crown. Heath Mill Lane would remain open to traffic into 2022.

dndimg alt="Eastside Metro Extension" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/EME Old Crown Digbeth (Aug 2021) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The Old Crown, early stages of the road surface being dug up.

dndimg alt="Eastside Metro Extension" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/EME Old Crown Digbeth (Aug 2021) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

May 2022

Saturday 28th May 2022, views from the top deck of the no 6 bus, National Express West Midlands Electric heading into the City Centre via Digbeth. Window seat on the right at the front.

Midland Metro Alliance have started to tarmac the southbound road surface at long last. It will only be temporary, as it needs to be in place for the Commonwealth Games.

Near The Rainbow.

dndimg alt="Eastside Metro Extension" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/EME Digbeth 28052022 (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

New paving outside of The Old Crown. They recently discovered a long lost hole, though to be a coal entrance, it's now been covered over.

dndimg alt="Eastside Metro Extension" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Old Crown EME Digbeth 28052022.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

On the right is the Custard Factory, Kilo Zero and The Old Crown. 

dndimg alt="Eastside Metro Extension" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/EME Digbeth 28052022 (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

At long last a tarmaced road surface. View towards Birmingham Coach Station, not far from the Custard Factory.

dndimg alt="Eastside Metro Extension" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/EME Digbeth 28052022 (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

They will resume the work on Monday morning. This view not far from the coach station.

dndimg alt="Eastside Metro Extension" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/EME Digbeth 28052022 (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

On the right is the Big Bulls Head. Side roads such as Milk Street have been closed to traffic.

dndimg alt="Eastside Metro Extension" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Big Bulls Head Digbeth 28052022.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Next up is The Kerryman. The pavement has been quite narrow while they widen it, you can see the new curb stones here.

dndimg alt="Eastside Metro Extension" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The Kerryman Digbeth 28052022.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

This bit near the BCU Steam House (being demolished). View towards St Martin's Church and Digbeth Police Station. The eventual Metro line will come from HS2 via Meriden Street.

dndimg alt="Eastside Metro Extension" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/EME Digbeth 28052022 (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Photography by Elliott Brown

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06 Jun 2022 - Elliott Brown
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Perry Barr Station reopened at the end of May 2022

Perry Barr Station was reopened on Sunday 29th May 2022 on the Wolverhampton via Birmingham New Street to Walsall line. Elliott got an off-peak return to the station the following day to check the station out. Trains every half hour in both directions. Looks much better than the old station, it now also has lifts. Platform gap to trains is a bit high, but other than that it's ok.

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Perry Barr Station reopened at the end of May 2022





Perry Barr Station was reopened on Sunday 29th May 2022 on the Wolverhampton via Birmingham New Street to Walsall line. Elliott got an off-peak return to the station the following day to check the station out. Trains every half hour in both directions. Looks much better than the old station, it now also has lifts. Platform gap to trains is a bit high, but other than that it's ok.


A visit to Perry Barr Station on Monday 30th May 2022, with an off-peak day return ticket only £3.00 in the West Midlands Railway app from Birmingham New Street and back.

I arrived at Perry Barr on the 11:40 on platform 2 on board London Northwestern Railway 350101.

dndimg alt="Perry Barr Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Perry Barr Station 30052022 (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

London Northwestern Railway 350101 seen shortly before departing for Walsall. Youtuber Sim0n Trains was there most of the day.

dndimg alt="Perry Barr Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Perry Barr Station 30052022 (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Up the steps, a quick look at the concourse on the way out.

dndimg alt="Perry Barr Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Perry Barr Station 30052022 (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

It's pretty spacious in here, a bit quiet during off peak hours.

dndimg alt="Perry Barr Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Perry Barr Station 30052022 (4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Was raining on arrival at Perry Barr. A quick look at the exterior of the new station building.

dndimg alt="Perry Barr Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Perry Barr Station 30052022 (5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

It looks like rusted metal, compared to the old concrete that was there from the 1960s until 2021.

dndimg alt="Perry Barr Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Perry Barr Station 30052022 (6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

After a Costa Coffee stop out of the rain at the One Stop Shopping Centre, the start of a walk towards Perry Park, had to cross over Walsall Road, and find my way onto Aldridge Road.

dndimg alt="Perry Barr Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Perry Barr Station 30052022 (7).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

About an hour later after coming back via the Tame Valley Canal, there was now a worker on a cherry picker near the Perry Barr Station sign. View with The Mercian.

dndimg alt="Perry Barr Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Perry Barr Station 30052022 (8).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

A lot of work still to be done in the public realm outside of the station and One Stop, near Walsall Road.

dndimg alt="Perry Barr Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Perry Barr Station 30052022 (9).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

One shutter that was open earlier was now closed while the cherry picker was there, but was an entrance near the ticket machine.

dndimg alt="Perry Barr Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Perry Barr Station 30052022 (10).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The concourse from the other side, near the ticket desk.

dndimg alt="Perry Barr Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Perry Barr Station 30052022 (11).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

View from the bridge between the lifts, Sim0n Trains and friend were still there getting footage for his video.

dndimg alt="Perry Barr Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Perry Barr Station 30052022 (12).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Sim0n Trains videoing the steps from platform 2 by the looks of it.

dndimg alt="Perry Barr Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Perry Barr Station 30052022 (13).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

View down platform 1.

dndimg alt="Perry Barr Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Perry Barr Station 30052022 (14).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Had a half hour wait for my train back to Birmingham New Street. First up, the 13:40 to Walsall showed up at platform 2. London Northwestern Railway 350403.

dndimg alt="Perry Barr Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Perry Barr Station 30052022 (15).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Then London Northwestern Railway 350403, the 13:43 to Wolverhampton (via Birmingham New Street showed up) about a minute late. Caught this back to Birmingham.

dndimg alt="Perry Barr Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Perry Barr Station 30052022 (16).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Photography by Elliott Brown

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